2015-10-13 Planning & Organisation Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 6 Draft Flying Fox Management Plan

 draft
If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat they should:

    •     wash the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes (do not scrub)
    •     contact your doctor immediately to arrange for post-exposure vaccinations.

If bat saliva gets into a mucous membrane or open wound, flush thoroughly with water and
seek immediate medical advice.

Hendra Virus

Flying-foxes are the natural host for Hendra Virus (HeV), which can be transmitted from flying-
foxes to horses. Infected horses sometimes amplify the virus and can then transmit it to other
horses, humans and on two occasions dogs. There is no evidence that the virus can be passed
directly from flying-foxes to humans (or dogs) (Queensland Health 2015). Although the virus
is periodically present in flying-fox populations across Australia, the likelihood of horses
becoming infected is low and consequently human infection is extremely rare. Horses are
thought to contract the disease after ingesting forage or water contaminated with flying-fox
urine, saliva or birthing fluids. Humans contract the disease after close contact with an infected
horse. HeV infection in humans is a serious and often fatal disease and there is currently no
effective post-exposure treatment or vaccine available for people. The mortality rate of
unvaccinated infected horses is approximately 75% (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
({DAFF} 2013a). Vaccination of horses can protect horses and subsequently humans from
infection (DAFF 2013a).

Water supply contamination

Contamination of water supplies by any animal excreta (birds, amphibians and mammals such
as flying-foxes) poses a health risk to humans. Household tanks should be designed to
minimise potential contamination, such as using first flush diverters to divert contaminants
before they enter water tanks. Trimming vegetation overhanging the catchment area (e.g. the
roof of a house) will also reduce wildlife activity and associated potential contamination. Tanks
should also be appropriately maintained and flushed, and catchment areas regularly cleaned
to remove potential contaminants.

Pool contamination

The World Health Organisation guidelines for safe recreational water environments (i.e.
recreational swimming pools) considers contamination of pool water from animal faeces a low
risk to the public (WHO 2006). The only pathogenic bacteria potentially linked directly to animal
faeces found in swimming pools is Leptospira spp. (cause of Leptospirosis). Flying-fox are
known to carry this bacteria and shed it in their urine (Cox et al, 2005). According to the
guidelines outbreak of Leptospirosis from swimming pools is extremely rare and can be
prevented by maintaining adequate disinfectant concentrations (e.g. chlorine). Escherichia coli
contamination of pools could potentially lead to infections in people but known outbreaks of
disease caused by E. coli in swimming pools (as opposed to still natural pools) have been
linked to people shedding the bacteria in the pool rather than through contamination from
animal faeces (WHO 2006). Further, chemical treatment and filtration of pool water should
prevent infections. There is no evidence to suggest that there is any risk from Lyssavirus or
Hendra virus from flying-foxes defecating or urinating in pools. Lyssavirus is transmitted
Flying-fox roost management options                                            ecosure.com.au | 13